Solid state catholytes and electrolytes for energy storage devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy storage device comprising a cathode region or other element. The device has a major active region comprising a plurality of first active regions spatially disposed within the cathode region. The major active region expands or contracts from a first volume to a second volume during a period of a charge and discharge. The device has a catholyte material spatially confined within a spatial region of the cathode region and spatially disposed within spatial regions not occupied by the first active regions. The device has a protective material formed overlying exposed regions of the cathode material to substantially maintain the sulfur species within the catholyte material. Also included is a novel dopant configuration of the LiaMPbSc (LMPS) [M=Si, Ge, and / or Sn] containing material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / US2014 / 038238, filed May 15, 2014, entitled SOLID STATE CATHOLYTE OR ELECTROLYTE FOR BATTERY USING LiaMPbSc (M=Si, Ge, and / or Sn), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 823,407, filed May 13, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 935,956, filed Feb. 5, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]In some examples, an embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a solid catholyte or electrolyte material having desired ion conductivity. More particularly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method and structure for a catholyte material to improve a total ionic conductivity for a cathode to allow for higher mass loading of an active material, faster charge / discharge, and a wider range of operating temperature. Merely by way of example, the invention has b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]According to an embodiment of the present invention, techniques related to a solid catholyte or electrolyte material having desired ion conductivity are provided. More particularly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method and structure for a catholyte material to improve a total ionic conductivity for a cathode to allow for higher mass loading of an active material, faster charge / discharge, and a wider range of operating temperature. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to solid state battery cells, although there can be other applications.

[0021]According to an embodiment of the present invention, techniques related to a solid catholyte material having desired ion conductivity are provided. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method and structure for a catholyte material to improve a total ionic conductivity for a cathode to allow for higher mass loading of an active material, faster charge / discharge, and a wider range of operating temperature. More particularly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a novel dopant configuration of the LiaMPbSc (LMPS) [M=Si, Ge, and, or, Sn] containing material. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to solid state battery cells, although there can be other applications. In some examples, M is selected from Si, Ge, Sn, or combinations thereof. In some other examples, M is selected from Si, Sn, or combinations thereof.

[0022]In an example, an embodiment of the present invention provides for a solid state catholyte material to enable a fully solid state battery with improved total ionic conductivity for a cathode, higher mass loading of active material (therefore higher energy density), faster charge / discharge, and a wider range of operating temperature. The solid state architecture eliminates the need for a flammable liquid electrolyte and therefore provides a safer alternative.

Problems solved by technology

Although highly successful, these popular apparatus are limited by storage capacity and in particular battery capacity.

Liquid electrolytes suffer from outgassing at high voltage and pose a threat of thermal runaway due to the enthalpy of combustion of the solvents.

State of the art solid state batteries are not ready for mass market adoption due to limited power density, mass loading, and manufacturability.

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